Best Pumpkin Carving Kit Reviews 2020

The best pumpkin carving tools allow you to achieve your desired cuts, including tiny carvings, perfect round cuts, and even varying textures and lights. With the myriad of pumpkin carving tools available out there, like knives, scrapers, drills, saws, and X-acto knives, choosing the right kit can be overwhelming. We’ve done the hard part on your behalf by going through the rabble to bring you five of the best pumpkin carving kit brands you can rely on. So, take a look!

TopProducts may earn commissions when you purchase through links on our site. Learn More.

Overview

PROS

CONS

SPECS

Type

Pieces

Handle

Blade

Care

Our Top Choice

Messermeister Pumpkin Meister Kit 2

After four decades in business, the Messermeister Company continues to produce high-end knives and other culinary tools to chefs, culinary students, and home cooks.

Multifunctional scraper with a smooth edge. Dishwasher safe. Stainless steel. Soft-grip handle. Easy to operate.

Can only be used by right-handers.

Adult supervision

Plastic

Stainless steel

Dishwasher safe

Best Value

TCP Global Ultimate 12-Piece Carving Kit

With over 40 years of growth, TCP Global has enough warehouse space to continue developing products in various fields to meet the needs of their e-commerce customers.

12-piece. Sturdy, zippered, nylon organizing case. Stainless steel for easy cleaning. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. Reusable.

A bit more expensive than others

Adult supervision

Wooden

Stainless steel

Dishwasher safe

Villafane Studios Pumpkin Carving Tools

Ray Villafane’s talent, style, and creativity, coupled with his appreciation for pumpkin carving, has earned him invitations to Very Impressive Pumpkins (VIP) Galleries from around the globe.

Large ribbon loop for peeling and shaping. Made in the USA. Fits nicely in the hand.

Smaller loops start to bend after some time.

Professional

Wooden

Steel

Dishwasher safe

Warren Cutlery Pumpkin Carving Kit

Warren Cutlery Corporation has been recognized for their exceptional "razor-edge" carving tools for wood and leather-craftsmen since 1927.

Strong, carbon steel hollow ground blades. Comes with 3 extra blades for each of the blades. Made in the USA

The blades are a bit “bendy.”

Professional

Brass

Carbon steel

Hand wash

Fun World 14-Piece Carving Kit

Fun World is a family-owned business with over 400,000 square feet of warehouse on the West Coast to serve the millions of customers across the world.

10 carving patterns and one pumpkin scooper. Affordable

Knives tend to bend.

Child

Plastic

Not available

Want to read buying guide first? Click Here

Related Reviews

Best Kid’s Halloween Costume

in Seasonal and Holiday

California Costumes Fire Breathing Dragon Toddler Costume – Available in Children's Sizes 3-4 & 4-6

Watch Our Pumpkin Carving Kit Review

What is the Best Pumpkin Carving Kit?

So, you got a nice, huge pumpkin. What next? You probably want to make a jack-o-lantern to impress your neighbors. But to achieve this, you need the right pumpkin carving tools. We turned to the experts, renowned for creating sculptural or intricately etched designs for various clients, and wrapped up this list of the best pumpkin carving kits to help you out. Now that you have a great idea of what to look for in a pumpkin carving kit, it’s time to dive straight to our top picks and grab a model that suits your style and budget.

Our Top Choice

The Messermeister Pumpkin Carving Kit comes with a multifunctional scraper with a smooth edge that thins the walls of thick pumpkins, allowing carving tools to safely and efficiently execute cuts. Looking for a good-quality chef’s knife instead? We recommend the Messermeister Avanta 4-Piece Fine Edge Steak Knife Set that is not only sharp, but rust resistant and easy to re-sharpen as well.

Messermeister Pumpkin Meister Orange Carving Kit - Available in 2 Designs

Features

Messermeister, messer for knife and meister for master, began when one man, Bernd Dressler, decided to follow his dream of making premium, handcrafted German cutlery. This passion led Bernd to make the first cambered chef knife, the first bolsterless heel, and the sharpest edge angle. Today, Messermeister is a 100% women-owned company that continues to bring creativity and innovation to all kitchens.

The Messermeister Pumpkin Carving Kit comes with three culinary tools to help you become a pumpkin master. These tools will help you easily carve and adorn your pumpkin and achieve an attractive look. With its pumpkin scraper, you will be able to easily clean seeds and pulp from the pumpkins and shrink the walls of thick pumpkins, allowing carving tools to safely and efficiently perform cuts. Its 3.5-inch, semi-flexible saw tooth helps cut out different patterns and lids, and also trim edges and carve decorative details. Lastly, this pumpkin carving kit also comes with an etching tool for fine details.

The Messermeister Pumpkin Carving Kit is perfect for carving names, numbers, eyebrows and other finely detailed decorations. It is stainless steel for easy cleaning and comes with a large-sized, soft-grip handle for more control and easy handling. Note that you have the option of buying the Single Pumpkin Scraper for Squash instead of the 3-piece Meister.

Achieve your desired cuts and decorations. Buy the Messermeister Pumpkin Carving Kit today!

Best Value

The TCP Global Halloween Haunters Professional Pumpkin Carving Tool Kit comes as an ultimate, 12-piece, high-quality pumpkin carving tool kit that every carver needs in order to make realistic, stunning details on Halloween jack-o-lantern pumpkins. Looking to add good-quality hobby knives to your workshop? Look no further than the TCP Global Deluxe Cutting Knife SET that comes with 56 pieces, well organized on a magnetic strip.

TCP Global Halloween Haunters Ultimate 12 Piece Professional Pumpkin Carving Tool Kit

Features

Founded in 1974 in Lakeside, CA, TCP Global began as a humble home decorating store. Today, the company offers over ten separate websites to cater to the needs of the ever-growing online shopping community. TCB Global markets high-quality products at very affordable prices, while focusing more on personalized service.

The TCP Global Halloween Haunters Professional Pumpkin Carving Tool Kit comes as a complete, 12-piece, professional carving tools set that any carver would need in order to carve amazing and realistic details into their Halloween jack-o-lantern pumpkins. You will be able to make expressive, life-like characters by using these professional, reusable tools to cutout and generate 3-dimensional facial features like eyes, nose, teeth, and hair.

This kit contains:

Large, medium and small carving loops, excellent for peeling the rind and shaping details
6 two-sided stainless steel detail cutting, sculpting and carving appliances with strong, easy-to-hold, wooden handles
Hole and circle punches
Sharp, powerful, stainless steel scoop tool with scraper
Sturdy, zippered, high-quality, nylon organizing case

Make professional, expressive pumpkin character designs. Buy the TCP Global Pumpkin Carving Tool Kit today!

The Villafane Studios Pumpkin Carving Master Tool Set includes a large ribbon loop, excellent for peeling and shaping the pumpkin. Buy Ray Villafane's 3-D Pumpkin Carving Tutorials DVD and watch Ray in action as he uses the actual tools to make some amazing pumpkin carvings. These tutorials are excellent for both beginner and expert carvers.

Villafane Studios Ray Villafane’s Pumpkin Carving Master Tool Set

Features

With a team of world-prominent designers with experience, talent and creativity, Villafane Studios has the right group of artists to bring your wildest imagination to life in 3D. The company believes in “outside the box” thinking, whether they are busting world records, creating impressive characters in pumpkins, or using 75 tons of beach sand to sculpt 30-foot devils. Regardless of the scale of your project, whether you simply want a small Halloween party that will blow your neighbors’ minds, or perhaps you want your next major event to go viral, its Villafane Studios’ mission to bring magic to everything they create.

Ray Villafane makes some of the most detailed carved pumpkin masterpieces in the world. Whether you are a novice or seasoned pro, the Villafane Studios Pumpkin Carving Master Tool Set will help you to easily carve without the need to use knives. These tools can be used on pumpkins, veggies, gourds, and fruits. The large ribbon loop cutter easily peels and shapes the pumpkin, while the small sharp loops are excellent for fine detail work. Ray uses these actual tools, as seen on different TV shows, including Good Morning America, the Outrageous Pumpkins Challenge, and NBC News New York.

Carve intricate pumpkin masterpieces. Buy the Villafane Studios Pumpkin Carving Master Tool Set today!

Proudly made in the USA, the Warren Cutlery Pumpkin Carving Kit comes with strong carbon steel hollow ground blades to provide both durability and efficiency. Looking for a basic carving set? Check out the Warren Cutlery 2 Basic Carving Set that comes with wide, heavy-duty blades.

Warren Cutlery 1 X Brass and Walnut Pro Pumpkin Carving Tool Kit

Features

Warren Cutlery has been supplying the woodworking industry with high-quality tools and accessories since 1927. The company supports both the novice and professional woodworkers with their innovation. Their products are available through online stores, with free shipping service to the lower 48 states. However, for orders below $10, you may have to pay a shipping fee of $3.50.

The Warren Cutlery Professional Pumpkin Carving Tool Set is made with a high-carbon steel and designed with double-tempered, hollow ground blades to provide durability and razor-sharp edges. It includes one 4 1/2-inch black walnut handle made of brass to provide a firm grip and enhance easy handling. A three-way chuck holds 1/2" to 5/16"-wide blades, providing easy carving, while a plus 200 shank gouges/tools allow for easy gouging. The featured three 2 1/2" x 5/16" fine saw blades and three 3 1/8" x 5/16" heavy-duty saw blades allow for more creativity. One lock-jaw wrench enhances grip during carving. Additionally, the product is proudly manufactured in the United States, so you can be sure of the high-quality control standards.

Not what you wanted? Feel free to check out other pumpkin carving kits by Warren Cutlery for a perfect match.

The Fun World 14-Piece Carving Kit comes with 10 carving patterns and one pumpkin scooper, making the process of pumpkin carving less stressful and more fun. Not in need of all the tools in this set? Check out this 10 Piece Colossal Pumpkin Carving Kit from FunWorld, which comes at a lesser price and includes six stencils, one scoop, one saw, one marker and one detailer tool.

The Fun World 14-Piece Pumpkin Carving Kit with 10 Pop-Out Stencils

Features

Fun World began as a little business that dealt in Easter baskets and toys in 1963, with Stanley Geller serving as everything: the buyer, the marker, designer, and salesman as his wife typed the invoices. The business grew steadily and in 1981, the third generation came to be, with Stanley’s son Alan Geller bringing on board a whole new approach to the Halloween industry. Fun World is now one of the largest creators and suppliers of Halloween products in the world, with clients from every continent, except Antarctica.

The Fun World Ultimate Carving Kit comes with 14 pieces to provide unlimited carving options. It features 10 stencils for better creativity, and 1 carving saw and 1 detailed saw for seamless cutting. It also has 1 scraper and 1 marker for a better finish. The blister book provides a whole lot of design options. The kit has 2 carving tools and 1 pumpkin scooper to remove the innards. With 10 unique carving patterns, you can be sure to find something to amuse your guests this Halloween season.

Not amused by this model? Fun World offers a whole lot of pumpkin carving kits that you can sample as well.

How Do I Choose the Best Pumpkin Carving Kit?

The Halloween holiday is just around the corner. Imagine this scenario: You've picked a perfect pumpkin and downloaded the craziest, cool carving templates and put in several hours, skillfully crafting your Halloween creation. However, the end result isn’t so amazing and your jack-o-lantern is a big disappointment. How is that possible? Assuming you haven’t gathered some lackluster pumpkins, you might take another look at your carving tool kit.

If you’re looking to take your pumpkin designs to a whole new level, you seriously need to ditch the kitchen knife and go for a decent pumpkin carving kit. Whether you adore the old-fashioned handheld models or the more efficient electric options, there’s bound to be a perfect choice for you.

Now, if you’ve ever been influenced into purchasing a product that ended up in the trash, you’ll probably understand how painful it is to lose your hard-earned money on a useless product. That’s why we’ve taken it upon ourselves to give you all the facts and considerations you need to know before you make up your mind to buy a particular product. We focused on brands that are adored by pumpkin-carving gurus who understand what works and what doesn’t.

It’s usually a good idea to purchase a few pumpkins before everyone rushes to the grocery store for one when the Halloween season kicks off. As you shop for your Halloween costume, pick a few pumpkins and preserve them for the occasion. Soak the pumpkins in a mix of water and bleach to keep them fresh for longer. (Only do this for the pumpkins you want to carve, not the ones you want to eat!) This will ensure that they last for months without going bad. Bleach gets rid of mildew and mold as well. Commercial pumpkin sprays are also available on the market, and they can help you preserve the pumpkin before carving and long after carving.

With that said, let’s go through some important features to look for in a pumpkin carving kit, and then you can jump straight to our individual reviews.

Price

The occasion for carving pumpkins for entryway displays comes only once a year, so you shouldn’t break the bank for a pricey, seldom-used product. With a budget of roughly between $12 and $25, you can find a great-quality pumpkin carving kit that will last you several Halloween seasons to come. The price will, however, vary depending on the material the tools are made of. Models featuring brass handles and blades will cost more than models with aluminum blades and plastic handles. We, however, discourage you from going for very cheap pumpkin carving kits, because they will most probably disappoint you on the big day.

Features

When it comes to pumpkin carving, your kitchen utensils may not help you much. If you’re looking for a carving that will really impress, you should pick your tools like a real pro. A good pumpkin carving kit will give you a great start in your pumpkin carving experience. You now have the chance to try out your intricate designs you’ve been dreaming about all year, and you don’t have to use a lot of elbow grease when you can achieve that with little effort.

Wood chisels and linoleum blades can be great for etching the surface without digging deep. However, you will need to scrape off some portions of your pumpkin, and using a spoon will just make you the joke of the block. An ordinary kitchen knife will just offer an ordinary cut and decoration, but for an authentic cut, you need to use real carving tools to cut, carve, shape, and sculpt. Here are the key features to look for in a pumpkin carving kit:

Adaptability – Consider tools that can be used in various ways. The tools should be flexible to use for various purposes. For instance, a power drill can serve other household functions, while a cookie cutter can also be used for baking.
Durability – The tools you choose should serve you for several seasons to come. Since Halloween comes only once a year, you don’t want a set of tools you’ll use once and throw away. Save money by picking durable models that will accurately cut and carve without bending or breaking.

Construction and Design

Pumpkin carving kits may comprise of a wide range of tools and accessories. Sometimes, choosing the right set from the myriad of options can be confusing. We’ve focused on five of the most critical tools that a pumpkin carving kit shouldn’t lack. Here they are:

Scrapers – Depending on the size of pumpkin you’re working with, you should expect to extract about a pound or more of pulp and slimy seeds. Doing so with a traditional spoon will take the better part of an hour and utilize a lot of elbow grease. It can be so disgusting! You can simply plug the pumpkin gutter into a drill chuck and continue running your errands. The spherical head of the device will eviscerate the pumpkin’s contents without damaging the inner walls.
Carving Cutlery – While some professional chefs can perform artistic feats with their knives, most kitchen knives are designed to chop large chunks of food and not perform impromptu culinary carvings. You’ll do a better job on your pumpkin by using a purse-driven device like a pumpkin cutlery kit.
Sawing Tools – An electric-powered saw can help you saw your way through a complex pumpkin carving design without leaving your arms tired. Get a model with several design ideas, so you won’t have to fake your way to achieve a werewolf princess witch that your kids adore.
Linoleum Cutters and Wood Chisels – If you’re going for the classic nose, two eyes, and toothy grin jack-o-lantern, a good cutlery kit will serve you well, but if you need to add some intricate details like semi-opaque or shading sections, you will need to etch the surface of your jack-o-lantern without actually penetrating the flesh. That can only be achieved with tools specifically designed for etching and gouging, rather than cutting. Wood chisels and linoleum blades are quite effective, allowing you to scrape off thin sheets of skin from your pumpkin to create fabulous lighting effects.
Cookie Cutters and Apple Corers – Achieving a creative carving like a Van Gogh's Starry Night sounds like a great idea until you begin to cut in the numerous fiddly holes with star shapes. Cutting an evenly-shaped star can be a nightmare with ordinary tools. However, with cookie cutters, you can seamlessly do punch holes. You may need to press them hard through the pumpkin flesh, but it’s still easier than doing it freehand.

Performance and Ease of Use

With the right pumpkin carving tools, creating your scary jack-o-lantern should be super easy. After grabbing a great kit, the next assignment is to take good care of it. Different pumpkin carving items have different storage requirements. Some tools can be washed in a dishwasher, while others need to be hand washed. However, every pumpkin carving tool requires some form of washing, since pumpkins are generally acidic, which can speed up rusting if left to lie without cleaning. Ensure that the wooden handles are properly oiled to improve durability.

Note that pumpkin carving tools can be quite sharp and can turn fatal if not handled with care. What is often a jovial experience can turn into unwanted pain and anxiety as you rush to an emergency facility. The common injuries are stab wounds to hands and fingers.

Since pumpkins can be very slippery, most accidents happen as a result of slips. Be sure to clean and thoroughly dry the table surface, pumpkin surface, and the tools. Keep your hands free of moisture or grease to avoid slipping as much as possible. You may also consider using work gloves.

When choosing your pumpkin carving kit, look at the handles of the tools and go for models with a firm grip. Electric drills and scrapers are a great way to efficiently create your favorite designs without breaking a sweat, but be sure to handle the machines with care to avoid accidents or electrical shock. Keeping everything dry should be your priority.

Kids usually love to try their hand at carving pumpkins, but it’s never a good idea to let them do it on their own. If they must join in the fun, let them do the less risky tasks like scooping out the innards and drawing the patterns. Older teens can be supervised to ensure they’re doing the right thing to avoid accidents.

Go back to the start of the reviews

Get the Best Pumpkin Carving Kit of 2020!

The best pumpkin carving kit will feature tools that make your carving activities unique and amazing. Getting a great pumpkin is often not a big issue. Getting the right tools is! That’s why we’ve ventured far and wide to review these great pumpkin carving kits to help you make the right choice and create a carving that will satisfy your expectations. Hopefully, you found your ideal pumpkin carving tools on our list. If you didn’t, these same brands still have other wonderful options you can look at.

Our Top Choice

Messermeister Pumpkin Meister Kit 2

Best Value

TCP Global Ultimate 12-Piece Carving Kit

Villafane Studios Pumpkin Carving Tools

Warren Cutlery Pumpkin Carving Kit

Fun World 14-Piece Carving Kit

Go back to the start of the reviews

Get exclusive content, advice, and tips from TopProducts delivered to your inbox.

About Us Scholarship Blog Categories Sitemap

TopProducts.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com